Chapter 2: One Last Night

Kael woke up before the sun, his heart racing like it always did when revenge felt close.

Today was the day.

After twelve long years, he finally knew where Vortigern would be tonight—an old warehouse by the cliffs where the Crimson Shadows handled their biggest deals.

He lay still for a moment, staring at the cracked ceiling of his tiny apartment.

Liora was curled against him, one arm draped over his chest, her breathing soft and steady. Her dark hair spilled across the pillow like ink. She looked so innocent in sleep. So perfect.

Kael’s chest tightened.

He didn’t want to leave this bed. Didn’t want to risk losing this—the only good thing he’d found since that bloody night.

But he had to.

For his mother’s last look.

For his father’s final roar.

For every scream that still haunted his nightmares.

Carefully, he slipped out from under her arm.

She stirred, eyes fluttering open.

“Kael?” Her voice was sleepy and sweet. “Where you going so early?”

He sat on the edge of the bed, his back to her. “Got something to take care of tonight. Important.”

Liora sat up, the sheet pulled to her chest. She scooted closer and wrapped her arms around him from behind, resting her chin on his shoulder.

“You’ve been quiet for days,” she said softly. “Talk to me.”

He closed his eyes. Her warmth felt like home.

“It’s old stuff. Family stuff. I just… I have to finish it.”

She kissed the side of his neck gently.

“Promise me you’ll come back to me.”

Those words hit him harder than any blade.

He turned, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her—slow and deep, like he was trying to memorize her.

“I promise,” he said against her lips.

The kiss turned into more. Like always with them, one touch was never enough.

Liora pulled him back onto the bed, straddling his hips. Her hair fell around them like a curtain. She peeled off the thin tank top she’d slept in and let it drop to the floor.

Kael’s hands went straight to her waist, then higher, cupping her full breasts. They fit perfectly in his palms, soft and warm. His thumbs brushed over her nipples, watching them tighten under his touch.

She bit her lip and sighed softly, a sound that drove him wild.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice rough.

She smiled down at him, eyes shining, then leaned in to kiss him again while her hands worked his boxers off. When she wrapped her fingers around him, he groaned into her mouth.

Liora guided him inside her slowly, inch by inch.

They both gasped.

She began to move, rocking her hips in a rhythm that made his head spin. Kael gripped her waist, thrusting up to meet her, watching her body respond to him.

He sat up suddenly, pulling her close so they were chest to chest. He took one nipple into his mouth, sucking while his hand squeezed the other. Liora cried out, moving faster, her nails digging into his shoulders.

“Kael… oh God…”

He flipped them in one smooth move, pinning her beneath him. He drove into her deep and steady, her legs locked around his waist like she never wanted to let go.

Their eyes never left each other—no words, just heavy breathing and soft moans.

When she came, she buried her face in his neck, her body shaking. Kael followed seconds later, groaning her name like a prayer.

Afterward, they lay tangled together, sweaty and breathless, hearts pounding as one.

Liora traced the scars on his chest with gentle fingers.

“Whatever happens tonight,” she whispered, “remember I love you. Okay?”

Kael kissed her forehead.

“I love you too. More than anything.”

He meant it with every piece of his broken soul.

The rest of the day dragged.

Kael sharpened his knives, checked his gun, and went over the plan a hundred times. The warehouse deal would start at midnight. He’d sneak in, wait for Vortigern to arrive, and end it fast.

By evening, rain began to fall again—hard and cold, just like that night twelve years ago.

Liora texted him before he left:

Come back safe. I’ll be waiting.

He smiled at the screen, slipped the phone into his pocket, and stepped out into the storm.

The warehouse was dark when he arrived, only a few lights glowing inside. He slipped through a side door like a shadow.

His wolf senses flared—ten guards, maybe twelve. Weapons. Blood magic hanging heavy in the air.

He hid behind stacked crates and waited.

At 12:17, the main doors opened.

Vortigern walked in.

Tall. Scar across his face. The same cold eyes Kael remembered from that night.

Rage roared in Kael’s ears.

He stepped out, silver eyes glowing in the dim light.

“Vortigern.”

The man turned slowly, a cruel smile spreading across his face.

“Well, well. A ghost from the past. The little Vaelor pup survived.”

Kael’s voice was ice.

“You killed my family. Tonight you pay.”

Vortigern laughed.

“You think you can take me alone, boy?”

Kael shifted partly—claws out, fangs sharp.

“I don’t need anyone else.”

The fight exploded.

Kael moved like lightning, taking down three guards in seconds. Blades clashed. Bullets flew—he dodged most, took one in the shoulder, and kept going.

He reached Vortigern and slashed his arm deep.

For one heartbeat, Kael thought he’d won.

Then everything went wrong.

More men poured in through a side door he hadn’t seen.

Too many.

They swarmed him—chains, fists, boots. Silver burned his skin. A cursed blade tore across his ribs.

He fought until his body gave out.

The last thing he saw before darkness claimed him was Vortigern standing over him, smiling.

“Throw him off the cliff,” Vortigern ordered. “Let the river have what’s left.”

They dragged Kael’s broken body through the rain to the edge of the cliff. The drop below plunged hundreds of feet into raging black water.

One hard shove.

He fell.

Air screamed past him. Pain exploded through his body.

Then—

Nothing.

To be continued.